2014 volkswagen tiguan Model Overview

Vehicle Overview

The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan is the automaker’s entrant in the ever-expanding compact crossover segment. Based on the out-going Golf hatchback, the 2014 VW Tiguan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 making 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Available in front- or all-wheel drive, the Tiguan comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic an available option. With the manual, the Tiguan is limited to front-drive, and is EPA-rated at 18/26 mpg city/highway. The front-drive auto-equipped Tiguan is rated at 21/26 mpg, while the all-wheel drive version nets a 20/26 mpg rating.

The Tiguan hasn’t always fared well in our testing. In last year’s compact crossover comparison versus the Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape, a front-drive Tiguan came in last place. Though we liked the powertrain, we dinged it for lack-of-value, and poor ride quality. “The Tiguan rode hard and transmitted every bump into the cabin, though the impacts were never harsh or violent. Unfortunately, the VW didn’t fare much better in the corners, where it felt tall and tippy — traits exacerbated by the flat seats — and sapped our confidence.” A fully-loaded VW Tiguan SEL 4Motion didn’t fare any better in a more recent test, with us summing it up thusly, “Whether it’s an SE or SEL, two-wheel drive or four, the overpriced Tiguan ultimately under delivers.”

Volkswagen has given the Tiguan a few upgrades for the 2014 model year. New to the lineup is the 2014 VW Tiguan R-Line, which features sporty trim and content, but no actual performance upgrades. Other changes include the increased availability of the Fender-branded premium audio system, and VW’s Car-Net Connectivity program.

New for 2014

The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan gets minor trim changes for the new model year. The 2014 Tiguan R-Line is new to the U.S. this year, with a sporty body kit, flared fenders, and a rear spoiler. The VW Tiguan R-Line also gets the GTI’s flat-bottom steering wheel, sport pedals, and hot-looking 19-inch wheels. Other changes include the availability of Volkswagen’s Fender audio system across the board, and VW’s OnStar-like Car-Net on the 2014 Tiguan SE and above.

Sum Up

2014 Volkswagen Tiguan Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$25,330

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$12,750

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#14V441000 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Consequence

A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2014-07-21

Description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014. When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles may form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to increase the fuel pump pressure, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 19, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24AV/2W.

Units Affected

151389

Recall ID#15V483000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Consequence

A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Recall Date

2015-08-04

Description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

2014 Volkswagen Tiguan News and Reviews

In the 15-some years that have passed since the launch of the first-generation Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, two pioneers in what would become the compact crossover segment, things have changed tremendously. Not only did someone coin the term "crossover," but segment entries have multiplied exponentially while shedding almost all traces of their frumpy, confused origins. Of course, despite the…